Bipolar RF Probe for Constricting Hollow Anatomical Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating incompetent perforator veins are invasive, require significant surgical time, and often necessitate multiple incisions, complicating procedures and extending recovery times, while also requiring assistance from a second surgeon.
Innovation Solution
The development of bipolar electrode probes with spherical or toroidal electrodes that deliver radiofrequency energy to constrict incompetent perforator veins by reducing the vein's lumen size through endothelial denudation, swelling, and collagen contraction, allowing for minimally invasive procedures with potential for single-surgeon operations and reduced morbidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical methods (Linton procedure, DePalma method, endoscopic ligation) are used to treat incompetent perforator veins, then effective vein interruption is achieved, but the procedures require multiple incisions, significant surgical time, complex operations requiring multiple surgeons, and extended recovery periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical methods (incisions, ligation, dissection) with radiofrequency energy delivery through a catheter-based system. The RF energy causes thermal coagulation and constriction of the vein internally, eliminating the need for external mechanical intervention through incisions and sutures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catheter as an intermediary device that delivers radiofrequency energy to the target vein. The catheter serves as a mediator between the external RF generator and the internal vein tissue, enabling minimally invasive energy delivery through a small puncture site rather than requiring direct surgical access.
2Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to treat incompetent perforator veins, then effective vein interruption is achieved, but surgical time and recovery period are significantly extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical surgical steps (incision, dissection, ligation, suturing) with a rapid RF energy delivery process that achieves vein coagulation and constriction in minutes through a small puncture, dramatically reducing both procedural and recovery time.
3Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to treat incompetent perforator veins, then effective vein interruption is achieved, but patient trauma and morbidity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traumatic mechanical surgery with non-contact RF energy delivery through a small puncture, causing internal thermal coagulation without external incisions, dissection, or suturing, thereby minimizing patient trauma, pain, and morbidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF energy causes the vein tissue to self-coagulate and self-constrict through thermal effects, eliminating the need for external ligation or mechanical intervention to achieve vein interruption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively constricts veins with reduced fluid flow, minimizing trauma and recovery time, and can be applied to various hollow anatomical structures, offering a less invasive and more efficient treatment for conditions like varicose veins and venous ulcers.
Implementation Method 1
delivering radiofrequency energy to constrict incompetent perforator veins by reducing the vein's lumen size through endothelial denudation, swelling, and collagen contraction
Data Source
AI summary
An energy delivering probe is used for thermally coagulating and/or constricting hollow anatomical structures (HAS) including, but not limited to, blood vessels such as perforator veins. The probe includes a shaft and at least two electrodes where at least one of the electrodes has a generally spherical or toroidal geometry.